Financial Management Problems Among Enlisted Personnel

Publication Date: January 1999

Publisher: RAND Corporation

Author(s): Richard Buddin; Casey Wardynski; Peter Tiemeyer

Research Area: Military and defense

Type: Brief

Abstract:

This documented briefing describes the financial well-being of enlisted personnel. It provides evidence of the extent of personal financial problems in the military, describing how financial problems vary with the demographics of the military and with particular aspects of the military work environment. The study also examines which types of members receive financial assistance and what types of programs they use. The authors find that young enlisted personnel frequently experience significant financial management problems, which may stem in part from youthful irresponsibility and naivete. However, the military services must ensure that they are not contributing to members' financial problems in any way. Financial management classes currently being offered at some bases should be systematically evaluated to determine their effectiveness.